ABC of Yoga &amp Meditation

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 5
What is Yoga 7
Why Do Yoga? 9
Types of Yoga 11
Getting Ready 17
Beginning Your Workout 21
Easy Pose 21
Downward Facing Dog 21
Sun Salutations 23
Tree Pose 25
Extended Triangle 26
Seated Forward Bend 28
Bound Angle Pose 30
Wide Angle Seating Forward Bend 32
Full Boat 33
Bridge 35
Legs Up The Wall 36
Corpse Pose 38
Meditation 40
Universal Mantra Meditation 43
Relaxation Meditation 45
Energy Healing Meditation 46
Color Healing Meditation 46
Centering 48
Desktop Yoga 49
Yoga For Headaches 52
Child’s Pose 53
Standing Forward Bend 54
Yoga for Menstrual Cramps 55
Reclining Bound Angle 56
Upward Bow 57
Seated Twist 57
Yoga for Depression 57
Headstand 58
Head To Knee Forward Bend 60
Conclusion 62

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INTRODUCTION
When one mentions “yoga”, many images may be conjured up. Perhaps
you get an image of flower children from the 60’s sitting in a circle with their legs
in impossible positions chanting “Ohm” around a huge candle in a poorly lit
room. Yoga is an ancient art that has been practiced for centuries. Over the
years, it has risen in popularity as a way to stay fit, get in touch with one’s inner
self, and keep a balance of sanity in a sometimes insane world.
While yoga did come to popularity in the 60’s with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
who popularized Transcendental Meditation (TM) in the 60's, because he was
associated with the Beatles, yoga practitioners have brought the ancient practice
to the forefront of wellness in recent years.
Many scholars believe that yoga dates back over 5,000 years to the
beginning of human civilization. Scholars believe that yoga grew out of Stone Age
Shamanism, because of the cultural similarities between Modern Hinduism and
Mehrgarh, a neolithic settlement (in what is now Afghanistan). In fact, much of
Hindu ideas, rituals and symbols of today appear to have their roots in this
shamanistic culture of Mehrgahr.
Early Yoga and archaic shamanism had much in common as both sought
to transcend the human condition. The primary goal of shamanism was to heal
members of the community and act as religious mediators. Archaic Yoga was also
community oriented, as it attempted to discern the cosmic order through inner
vision, then to apply that order to daily living. Later, Yoga evolved into a more
inward experience, and Yogis focused on their individual enlightenment and
salvation.
Yoga is the most diversified spiritual practice in the world. Crossing over
many cultures (including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and the West), Yoga also
extends over multiple languages such as Hindi, Tibetan, Bengali, Sanskrit, Tamil,
Prakit, Marathi and Pali. The Yogic tradition continues to proliferate and spread
its message of peace to this very day.
There are many different places that offer yoga classes – gyms, wellness
centers, even the local YMCA. But you don’t have to join a class to practice yoga.
It is just as easily done in your home or even at your desk while at work. Yoga
can help bring you inner peace when you are stressed out. It can even help
relieve the pain of headaches, backaches, and menstrual cramps.
As studies continue to reveal yoga's many health benefits, this centuries-

old Eastern philosophy is fast becoming the new fitness soul mate for workout
enthusiasts. Contemporary devotees range from high-powered execs trying to
keep hearts beating on a healthy note to image-conscious Hollywood stars

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striving for sleek physiques. Even prominent athletes are adding yoga to their
training regime to develop balanced, injury-free muscles and spines.
Yet to applaud yoga for its physical benefits alone would only diminish
what this entire system has to offer as a whole. By practicing yoga on a regular
basis, you may be surprised to find that you're building much more than a strong,
flexible body.
Initially, the sole purpose of practicing yoga was to experience spiritual
enlightenment. In Sanskrit (the ancient language of India), yoga translates as
"yoke" or "union," describing the integration of mind and body to create a greater
connection with one's own pure, essential nature.
Classes that have gained popularity in the United States usually teach one
of the many types of hatha yoga, a physical discipline which focuses mainly on
asanas (postures) and breath work in order to prepare the body for spiritual
pursuits.
We will attempt to simplify the ancient practice of yoga by showing you

some basic yoga positions, giving you tips on performing yoga exercises, and
inducting meditation practices into your everyday life. Through yoga and
meditation, you could come to a new level of enlightenment with your personal
life and enhance the quality of your existence.
No longer is yoga a mysterious phenomenon. It is now simply a way to

keep you healthy and aligned. Now relax and read on as we explore yoga and
meditation.

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WHAT IS YOGA?
As we have said, yoga is an ancient Indian philosophy that enhances

personal growth and well being. Although it is a systemic philosophical approach,
yoga is not a religion, but complementary with most spiritual paths.
The physical aspect of Yoga (Hatha Yoga) use poses and focused
breathing, requiring concentration and discipline. The result is a greater union of
mind, body and spirit. Anyone, regardless or body type, age, experience, or
physical abilities, can practice yoga.
Pop culture would have us believe that yoga involves contorting your body
into uncomfortable positions while staring at a candle and breathing incense.
You will see that yoga is much more than that. It is a series of exercises that can
be done by almost all people – not just the young who are in shape and healthy.
Yoga can be performed by senior citizens, disabled people, and even children.
Yoga is a tool for gaining body-mind awareness to enhance whatever

spiritual/religious beliefs you have. A yoga session will leave you felling energized
and relaxed. You will work your muscles and will properly align your bones; you
will breathe deeply, oxygenating the lungs and blood; you will experience true
deep relaxation.
By bringing awareness to the body, and working the muscles, you are able
to more deeply relax them then from any other form of exercise. You will gain a
deeper appreciation of your body and mind through yoga in a way that no other
exercise program will.
People who have done no physical exercise at all, as well as Olympic

athletes, find enormous benefits from Yoga. The foundation of traditional yoga is
careful alignment of your body as you hold the poses. This precision and the
awareness that comes with it, leads to tremendous growth, physically, mentally,
and emotionally.
As in all great arts and sciences, to become proficient in yoga requires

effort, determination, and practice. But then, the fruit we reap is always in
proportion to the seeds we sow and nurture. Thus, if you are looking for a quick
fix, an instant cure, a quelling of surface symptoms while the true ailment
remains unhealed, you will not find satisfaction in yoga.
On the other hand, if you want to keep or regain your health, vitality and
vigor; if you want to feel younger and stronger; and if you are looking for a
perfectly balanced and complete form of exercise that can be started by anyone

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over seven years of age, in any condition, and which becomes more challenging as
you get more advanced, yoga is for you!
There are many benefits of a regular yoga practice. Not only does yoga
help maintain a healthy lifestyle, it clears your mind and provide clarity of focus –
something we all could use from time to time! Let’s look at the benefits of yoga.
WHY DO YOGA?
Yoga Creates both flexibility and strength along with cardiovascular

health. It creates mental clarity and focus and emotional balance. Yoga is safe
for all ages and body types. It facilitates healing from injuries and is a wonderful
way to create wellness.
You weight train to gain strength, jog or do aerobics for a cardiovascular

workout, practice tai-chi to develop a sense of balance and harmony, stretch to
gain flexibility, and meditate to develop peace of mind and relaxation. Yoga is a
form of exercise that gives you everything: strength, endurance, balance,
flexibility, and relaxation. It is the only complete form of bodywork that does it
all. Indeed, yoga is more than stretching and relaxation: it is the ultimate mind-
body challenge.
Yoga increases flexibility as it offers positions that act upon the various
joints of the body including those joints that aren’t always in the forefront of
notice ability. These joints are rarely exercised, however, with yoga, they are!
Various yoga positions exercise the different tendons and ligaments of the
body. The body that may have been quite rigid begins experiencing a remarkable
flexibility in even those parts which have not been consciously worked upon.
Seemingly unrelated non-strenuous yoga positions act upon certain parts of the
body in an interrelated manner. When done together, they work in harmony to
create a situation where flexibility is attained relatively easily.
Yoga is perhaps the only form of activity which massages all the internal
glands and organs of the body in a thorough manner, including those – such as
the prostate - that hardly get externally stimulated during our entire lifetime.
Yoga acts in a wholesome manner on the various body parts. This stimulation
and massage of the organs in turn benefits us by keeping away disease and
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providing a forewarning at the first possible instance of a likely onset of disease

or disorder.
By gently stretching muscles and joints as well as massaging the various

organs, yoga ensures the optimum blood supply to various parts of the body. This
helps in the flushing out of toxins from every nook and cranny as well as
providing nourishment up to the last point. This leads to benefits such as delayed
ageing, energy and a remarkable zest for life.
But these enormous physical benefits are just a “side effect” of this
powerful practice. What yoga does is harmonize the mind with the body. This
results in real quantum benefits. It is now an open secret that the will of the mind
has enabled people to achieve extraordinary physical feats, which proves beyond
doubt the mind and body connection.
Yoga through meditation works remarkably to achieve this harmony and
helps the mind work in sync with the body. How often do we find that we are
unable to perform our activities properly and in a satisfying manner because of
the confusions and conflicts in our mind weigh down heavily upon us? Moreover,
stress which in reality is the #1 killer affecting all parts of our physical, endocrinal
and emotional systems can be corrected through the wonderful yoga practice of
meditation.
In fact yoga = meditation, because both work together in achieving the
common goal of unity of mind, body and spirit – a state of eternal bliss.
The meditative practices through yoga help in achieving an emotional
balance through detachment. What it means is that meditation creates
conditions, where you are not affected by the happenings around you. This in
turn creates a remarkable calmness and a positive outlook, which also has
tremendous benefits on the physical health of the body.
There’s no doubt that yoga has tremendous benefits to your health and
well-being. So how do you get started with your own yoga program? Let’s look at
the basic styles of yoga and what they mean.

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WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
In ancient times yoga was often referred to as a tree, a living entity with
roots, a trunk, branches, blossoms, and fruit. Hatha yoga is one of six branches;
the others include raja, karma, bhakti, jnana, and tantra yoga. Each branch with
its unique characteristics and function represents a particular approach to life.
Some people may find one particular branch more inviting than another.
However, it is important to note that involvement in one of these paths does not
preclude activity in any of the others, and in fact you'll find many paths naturally
overlapping.
Raja Yoga
Raja means "royal," and meditation is the focal point of this branch of yoga.
This approach involves strict adherence to the eight "limbs" of yoga as outlined
by Patanajli in the Yoga Sutras. Also found in many other branches of yoga, these
limbs, or stages, follow this order: ethical standards, yama; self-discipline,
niyama; posture, asana; breath extension or control, pranayama; sensory
withdrawl, pratyahara; concentration, dharana; meditation, dhyana; and
ecstasy or final liberation, samadhi.
Raja yoga attracts individuals who are introspective and drawn to
meditation. Members of religious orders and spiritual communities devote
themselves to this branch of yoga. However, even though this path suggests a
monastic or contemplative lifestyle, entering an ashram or monastery is not a
prerequisite to practicing raja yoga.
Karma Yoga
The next branch is that of karma yoga or the path of service, and none of us
can escape this pathway. The principle of karma yoga is that what we experience
today is created by our actions in the past. Being aware of this, all of our present
efforts become a way to consciously create a future that frees us from being
bound by negativity and selfishness.
Karma is the path of self-transcending action. We practice karma yoga
whenever we perform our work and live our lives in a selfless fashion and as a
way to serve others. Volunteering to serve meals in a soup kitchen or signing up
for a stint with the Peace Corps or Habitat for Humanity are prime examples of
selfless service associated with the karma yoga path.
Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti yoga describes the path of devotion. Seeing the divine in all of
creation, bhakti yoga is a positive way to channel the emotions. The path of
bhakti provides us with an opportunity to cultivate acceptance and tolerance for
everyone we come into contact with.

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Bhakti yogis express the devotional nature of their path in their every
thought, word, and deed—whether they are taking out the trash or calming the
anger of a loved one. Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr., are prime
examples of bhakti yogis. The life and work of Mother Teresa epitomize the
combination of the karma and bhakti yoga paths with devotional aspects of
bhakti and the selfless service of karma yoga.
Jnana Yoga
If we consider bhakti to be the yoga of the heart, then jnana yoga is the yoga
of the mind, of wisdom, the path of the sage or scholar. This path requires
development of the intellect through the study of the scriptures and texts of the
yogic tradition. The jnana yoga approach is considered the most difficult and at
the same time the most direct. It involves serious study and will appeal to those
who are more intellectually inclined. Within the context of our Western religious
traditions, Kabalistic scholars, Jesuit priests, and Benedictine monks epitomize
jnana yogis.
Tantra Yoga
Probably the most misunderstood or misinterpreted of all the yogas, tantra,

the sixth branch, is the pathway of ritual, which includes consecrated sexuality.
The key word here is "consecrated," which means to make sacred, to set apart as
something holy or hallowed.
In tantric practice we experience the Divine in everything we do. A
reverential attitude is therefore cultivated, encouraging a ritualistic approach to
life. It is amusing to note that, although tantra has become associated exclusively
with sexual ritual, most tantric schools actually recommend a celibate lifestyle.
In essence, tantra is the most esoteric of the six major branches. It will
appeal to those yogis who enjoy ceremony and relate to the feminine principle of
the cosmos, which yogis call shakti. If you see—and are deeply moved by—the
significance behind celebration and ritual (holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and
other rites of passage), tantra yoga may be for you. Many tantric yogis find magic
in all types of ceremony, whether it be a Japanese tea ceremony, the consecration
of the Eucharist in a Catholic mass, or the consummation of a relationship.
ASHTANGA YOGA
One of the most popular schools of yoga practice today is that of Ashtanga
Yoga. Ashtanga literally means “eight limbs”. These eight steps (limbs) basically
act as guidelines on how to live a meaningful and purposeful life. They serve as a
prescription for moral and ethical conduct and self-discipline; they direct
attention toward one's health; and they help us to acknowledge the spiritual
aspects of our nature.
The first limb, yama, deals with one's ethical standards and sense of
integrity, focusing on our behavior and how we conduct ourselves in life. Yamas
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are universal practices that relate best to what we know as the Golden Rule, "Do
unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Niyama, the second limb, has to do with self-discipline and spiritual

observances. Regularly attending temple or church services, saying grace before
meals, developing your own personal meditation practices, or making a habit of
taking contemplative walks alone are all examples of niyamas in practice.
Asanas, the postures practiced in yoga, comprise the third limb. In the
yogic view, the body is a temple of spirit, the care of which is an important stage
of our spiritual growth. Through the practice of asanas, we develop the habit of
discipline and the ability to concentrate, both of which are necessary for
meditation.
Generally translated as breath control, this fourth stage consists of
techniques designed to gain mastery over the respiratory process while
recognizing the connection between the breath, the mind, and the emotions.
As implied by the literal translation of pranayama, "life force extension,"
yogis believe that it not only rejuvenates the body but actually extends life itself.
You can practice pranayama as an isolated technique (i.e., simply sitting and
performing a number of breathing exercises), or integrate it into your daily hatha
yoga routine.
These first four stages of Patanjali's ashtanga yoga concentrate on refining
our personalities, gaining mastery over the body, and developing an energetic
awareness of ourselves, all of which prepares us for the second half of this
journey, which deals with the senses, the mind, and attaining a higher state of
consciousness.
Pratyahara, the fifth limb, means withdrawal or sensory transcendence. It
is during this stage that we make the conscious effort to draw our awareness away
from the external world and outside stimuli. Keenly aware of, yet cultivating a
detachment from, our senses, we direct our attention internally.
The practice of pratyahara provides us with an opportunity to step back
and take a look at ourselves. This withdrawal allows us to objectively observe our
cravings: habits that are perhaps detrimental to our health and which likely
interfere with our inner growth.
As each stage prepares us for the next, the practice of pratyahara creates
the setting for dharana, or concentration. Having relieved ourselves of outside
distractions, we can now deal with the distractions of the mind itself. No easy
task!
In the practice of concentration, which precedes meditation, we learn how
to slow down the thinking process by concentrating on a single mental object: a
specific energetic center in the body, an image of a deity, or the silent repetition
of a sound. We, of course, have already begun to develop our powers of
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concentration in the previous three stages of posture, breath control, and

withdrawal of the senses.
In asana and pranayama, although we pay attention to our actions, our
attention travels. Our focus constantly shifts as we fine-tune the many nuances of
any particular posture or breathing technique. In pratyahara we become self-
observant; now, in dharana, we focus our attention on a single point. Extended
periods of concentration naturally lead to meditation.
Meditation or contemplation, the seventh stage of ashtanga, is the
uninterrupted flow of concentration. Although concentration (dharana) and
meditation (dhyana) may appear to be one and the same, a fine line of distinction
exists between these two stages. Where dharana practices one-pointed attention,
dhyana is ultimately a state of being keenly aware without focus.
At this stage, the mind has been quieted, and in the stillness it produces
few or no thoughts at all. The strength and stamina it takes to reach this state of
stillness is quite impressive. But don't give up. While this may seem a difficult if
not impossible task, remember that yoga is a process. Even though we may not
attain the "picture perfect" pose, or the ideal state of consciousness, we benefit at
every stage of our progress.
Patanjali describes this eighth and final stage of ashtanga as a state of
ecstasy. At this stage, the meditator merges with his or her point of focus and
transcends the Self altogether. The meditator comes to realize a profound
connection to the Divine, interconnectedness with all living things. With this
realization comes the "peace that passeth all understanding"; the experience of
bliss and being at one with the Universe.
On the surface, this may seem to be a rather lofty, "holier than thou" kind
of goal. However, if we pause to examine what we really want to get out of life,
would not joy, fulfillment, and freedom somehow find their way onto our list of
hopes, wishes, and desires?
What Patanjali has described as the completion of the yogic path is what,
deep down, all human beings aspire to: peace. We also might give some thought
to the fact that this ultimate stage of yoga—enlightenment—can neither be bought
nor possessed. It can only be experienced, the price of which is the continual
devotion of the aspirant
OK, now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s prep the environment and
get you ready for your yoga workout!

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GETTING READY
Now that you’ve decided to take up yoga for your health, you must
consider the best environment and preparation to do so.
The very best time to practice yoga is first thing in the morning before
breakfast. Upon waking, empty the bowels, shower if you wish, then commence
the day with your regime of yoga practices. The second most conducive time is
early evening, around sunset.
It is, of course, far better to do something at a time of the day which suits
one, rather than to miss out by being too rigid or idealistic. Always remember
integral yoga is a balanced recipe which maintains that to get the best from your
yoga practice, you should whenever possible, mix and match the necessary
elements of practice which will improve and enhance your spiritual growth and
awareness.
Asanas – yoga postures - may be practiced at any time of day except within
2-3 hours of having eaten. You can do postures when the body feels stiff, tense,
tired or hyped-up. Be aware not to do too many over-stimulating postures just
before bedtime. Asanas are best practiced first in your yoga routine, followed by
breathing (Pranayama) and then meditation.
Pranayama may be practiced at any time of day except within 2-3 hours
after meals. It may be done when tense or tired or when space does not allow
room for postures. Pranayama is best practiced straight after asanas without
breaking the flow of awareness. Pranayama is a necessary pre-requisite for
successful meditation.
Meditation may be done at any time of day when you feel both awake and
relaxed. For best results, you should not do meditation within 2-3 hours of
eating, when sleepy, or when mentally “hyped-up”.
It is best is to have fresh air in a quiet and clean place that suits the
concentration and awareness yoga will create. Do not practice yoga in direct
sunlight or after sun-bathing. Outdoors is OK but you should avoid cold wind and
insects. Wear loose comfortable yoga clothing so there is no restriction around
the limbs.
Exercise on an empty stomach at least three hours after eating.
Do not force your body under any circumstances. Many people don’t take
heed of this advice. They try to push their bodies into the exercises, whether the
body is ready or not. This is a great mistake which does more harm than you can
imagine.
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Work slowly with your body. Respect its limits. These limits will gradually
extend and you will gain flexibility if you work regularly and sensitively at
stretching your limits. The body will get the message and the tension which is
preventing you from proceeding will gradually be released.
Relax briefly between each practice. Remember the golden rule: “If it’s
uncomfortable – DON’T”
Do not continue any exercise which causes pain. Pain is a message from
the body which must be listened to. In some cases it may simply be the body's
process of changing. In such cases, you simply need to bear with it and continue
(without forcing) and it will gradually pass. In other cases you may be doing harm
to some part of your body and may have to stop and do some other preparatory
exercises before returning to that one. Check with your doctor or other
professional if you have concerns.
Be conscientious and concentrate on what you are doing. Keep your mind
on feeling what is happening in the body and concentrate on your breath and
position. Do not think about other things or talk to anyone while exercising. If
possible, it would be best if you were alone in the room, without distractions such
as radio or TV, so that you can concentrate. If this is not possible, just try to
concentrate on yourself and ignore what is going on around you.
Give importance to your breathing. Each exercise has a specific way of

breathing. This is an extremely important aspect of the exercise. In many cases, it
is even more important than the physical movements themselves. Be conscious of
your breathing and breathe slowly and deeply, according to the instructions for
each exercise. In general (with some exceptions) we inhale when we stretch
upward or backward and exhale when we bend downward or forward. Always
breathe through the nose both in and out, unless specified otherwise. Remember
“Nose for breathing-mouth for eating”.
Allow your attention to flow through the body as you become aware of
each muscle and the tension and energy stored there and allow that energy to
flow and the muscle relax. Complete your exercise series with deep breathing
and, if possible, with deep relaxation.
There are no age limits either young or old for the practice of yoga.
However the application of the techniques will vary according to the abilities of
the practitioner. Those with disabilities, severe, acute or chronic medical
conditions should consult both with their medical practitioner and their yoga
teacher to assess any dangers or difficulties which may arise.
Avoid exercising at least three months after surgery, unless you have
specific permission from your doctor. Some exercises should be resumed only 6
months after surgery, unless you have your doctor's permission to start earlier.

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Also, avoid all exercises at any time when you suspect internal bleeding or an
inflamed appendix.
Never practice any yoga techniques under the influence of alcohol or mind
altering drugs. There are no hard and fast dietary rules necessary to begin the
practice of yoga. One does not have to give up smoking, become vegetarian, or be
a purist to learn yoga. What you might find, however, is that yoga can help you
overcome those bad habits you’ve been wanting to shed for years and bring you
into alignment with your spiritual side which can be key to overcoming vices.
Now let’s look at some of the asanas, or positions, that are central to a yoga
regime. We’ll give you a good basic beginning yoga workout to begin your
journey!

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BEGINNING YOUR WORKOUT
We use the word “workout” loosely here because, as we’ve pointed out,
yoga is less workout and more mind-body exploration. Workout implies sweating
as you push your body into exercise mode. That isn’t what yoga is about.
So, here’s a good way to start your yoga plan. Do these exercises in the
order given for a good beginning workout.
Easy Pose
Begin with the easy pose. Easy pose is a comfortable seated position for
meditation. This pose opens the hips, lengthens the spine and promotes
grounding and inner calm. Basically, you’re sitting cross legged like you did in
school as a young child. “Criss cross apple sauce”, as my teacher used to say!
With the buttocks on the floor, cross your legs and place your feet directly
below your knees. Rest your hands on your knees with the palms facing up.
Press your hip bones down into the floor and reach the crown of the head
up to lengthen the spine. Drop your shoulders down and back and press your
chest towards the front of the room.
Relax your face, jaw, and belly. Let your tongue rest on the roof of your
mouth just behind your front teeth. Breathe deeply through the nose down into
the belly and hold as long as is comfortable.
Downward-Facing Dog
After the easy pose, move into downward-facing dog. This is one of the
most widely recognized yoga poses. Downward-Facing Dog is an all-over,
rejuvenating stretch.
Benefits include:
• Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression
• Energizes the body
• Stretches the shoulders, hamstrings, calves, arches, and hands
• Strengthens the arms and legs
• Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause
• Relieves menstrual discomfort when done with head supported
• Helps prevent osteoporosis
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• Improves digestion
• Relieves headache, insomnia, back pain, and fatigue
• Therapeutic for high blood pressure, asthma, flat feet, sciatica, sinusitis
Use caution doing this pose if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, are in the
late stages of pregnancy, or suffer from high blood pressure.
Come onto the floor on your hands and knees. Set your knees directly
below your hips and your hands slightly forward of your shoulders. Spread your
palms, index fingers parallel or slightly turned out, and turn your toes under.
Exhale and lift your knees away from the floor. At first keep the knees
slightly bent and the heels lifted away from the floor. Lengthen your tailbone
away from the back of your pelvis and press it lightly toward the pubis. Against
this resistance, lift the sitting bones toward the ceiling, and from your inner
ankles draw the inner legs up into the groins.
Then with an exhalation, push your top thighs back and stretch your heels
onto or down toward the floor. Straighten your knees but be sure not to lock
them. Firm the outer thighs and roll the upper thighs inward slightly. Narrow the
front of the pelvis.
Firm the outer arms and press the bases of the index fingers actively into
the floor. From these two points, lift along your inner arms from the wrists to the
tops of the shoulders. Firm your shoulder blades against your back then widen
them and draw them toward the tailbone. Keep the head between the upper
arms; don't let it hang.
Stay in this pose anywhere from 1 to 3 minutes. Then bend your knees to
the floor with an exhalation and rest.
Sun Salutations
On days when you think you have no time for yoga, try and do at least one
or two rounds of the Sun Salutation. You'll feel the difference.
After downward-facing dog, move into 3 rounds of sun salutations.

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Stand facing the direction of the sun with both feet touching. Bring the
hands together, palm-to-palm, at the heart. Inhale and raise the arms upward.
Slowly bend backward, stretching arms above the head. Exhale slowly bending
forward, touching the earth with respect until the hands are in line with the feet,
head touching knees.
Inhale and move the right leg back away from the body in a wide backward
step. Keep the hands and feet firmly on the ground, with the left foot between the
hands. Raise the head. While exhaling, bring the left foot together with the right.
Keep arms straight, raise the hips and align the head with the arms,
forming an upward arch. Exhale and lower the body to the floor until the feet,
knees, hands, chest, and forehead are touching the ground. Inhale and slowly
raise the head and bend backward as much as possible, bending the spine to the
maximum
While exhaling, bring the left foot together with the right. Keep arms
straight, raise the hips and align the head with the arms, forming an upward arch.
Inhale and move the right leg back away from the body in a wide backward step.
Keep the hands and feet firmly on the ground, with the left foot between
the hands. Raise the head. Exhale slowly bending forward, touching the earth
with respect until the hands are in line with the feet, head touching knees.
Inhale and raise the arms upward. Slowly bend backward, stretching arms
above the head. Stand facing the direction of the sun with both feet touching.
Bring the hands together, palm-to-palm, at the heart.
The sequence will look something like this:
Tree Pose - Vriksha Asana
Benefits include:
• Strengthens thighs, calves, ankles, and spine

• Stretches the groins and inner thighs, chest and shoulders
• Improves sense of balance
• Relieves sciatica and reduces flat feet
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Use caution if you suffer from insomnia or low blood pressure. If you have
high blood pressure, do not raise your arms above your head.
Stand with the feet together and the arms by your sides. Bend the right leg
at the knee, raise the right thigh and bring the sole of the right foot as high up the
inside of the left thigh as possible.
Balancing on the left foot, raise both arms over the head, keep the elbows
unbent and join the palms together. Hold the posture while breathing gently
through the nostrils for about 10 complete breaths.
Lower the arms and right leg and return to the tad-asana, standing
position with feet together and arms at the sides. Pause for a few moments and
repeat on the opposite leg. Do this two or three times per leg or as long as is
comfortable.
The challenge of the vriksha-asana is maintaining balance on one leg.

Poor balance is often the result of a restless mind or distracted attention. Regular
practice of this posture will help focus the mind and cultivate concentration
(dharana).
When practicing vriksha-asana it may help to imagine or picture a tree in
the mind and apply the following technique: Imagine that the foot you are
balanced on is the root of the tree and the leg is the trunk.
Continue by imagining the head and outstretched arms as the branches
and leaves of the tree. You may be unsteady for a while and find the body swaying
back and forth, but don't break the concentration. Like a tree bending in the wind
and yet remaining upright, the body can maintain balance.
Aim to achieve the "rootedness" and firmness of a tree. Regular practice of
the vriksha-asana improves concentration, balance and coordination. Because
the weight of the entire body is balanced on one foot, the muscles of that leg are
strengthened and toned as well.
As you advance in this posture and are able to remain standing for more
than a few moments, try closing the eyes and maintaining your balance.

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Extended Triangle Pose
Benefits include:
• Stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and ankles
• Stretches the hips, groins, hamstrings, and calves; shoulders, chest, and
spine
• Stimulates the abdominal organs
• Helps relieve stress
• Relieves backache, especially through second trimester of pregnancy
• Therapeutic for anxiety, flat feet, infertility, neck pain, osteoporosis, and
sciatica
Use caution if you suffer from low blood pressure, have a heart condition,
or have neck problems.
Stand with the feet together and the arms by your sides. Separate the feet
slightly further than shoulder distance apart. Inhale and raise both arms straight
out from the shoulders parallel to the floor with the palms facing down.
Exhale slowly while turning the torso to the left, bend at the waist and
bring the right hand down to the left ankle. The palm of the right hand is placed
along the outside of the left ankle. The left arm should be extended upward. Both
legs and arms are kept straight without bending the knees and elbows.
Turn the head upward to the left and gaze up at the fingertips of the left
hand. Inhale and return to a standing position with the arms outstretched. Hold
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this position for the duration of the exhaled breath. Exhale and repeat on the
opposite side.
The triangle pose is basically doing slow toe touches while concentrating
on your breathing and stretching your body.
Seated Forward Bend – Paschimottanasana

Literally translated as "intense stretch of the west," Paschimottanasana
can help a distracted mind unwind.
Benefits include:
• Stretches the spine, shoulders, hamstrings
• Stimulates the liver, kidneys, ovaries, and uterus
• Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause and menstrual discomfort
• Soothes headache and anxiety and reduces fatigue
• Therapeutic for high blood pressure, infertility, insomnia, and sinusitis
• Traditional texts say that Paschimottanasana increases appetite, reduces
obesity, and cures diseases.
Use caution if you suffer from asthma or have a back injury.
Sit on the floor with your buttocks supported on a folded blanket and your
legs straight in front of you. Press actively through your heels. Rock slightly onto
your left buttock, and pull your right sitting bone away from the heel with your
right hand. Repeat on the other side.
Turn the top thighs in slightly and press them down into the floor. Press
through your palms or finger tips on the floor beside your hips and lift the top of
the sternum toward the ceiling as the top thighs descend.
Draw the inner groins deep into the pelvis. Inhale, and keeping the front
torso long, lean forward from the hip joints, not the waist. Lengthen the tailbone
away from the back of your pelvis. If possible take the sides of the feet with your
hands, thumbs on the soles, elbows fully extended; if this isn't possible, loop a
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strap around the foot soles, and hold the strap firmly. Be sure your elbows are
straight, not bent.
When you are ready to go further, don't forcefully pull yourself into the
forward bend, whether your hands are on the feet or holding the strap. Always
lengthen the front torso into the pose, keeping your head raised.
If you are holding the feet, bend the elbows out to the sides and lift them
away from the floor; if holding the strap, lighten your grip and walk the hands
forward, keeping the arms long. The lower belly should touch the thighs first,
then the upper belly, then the ribs, and the head last.
With each inhalation, lift and lengthen the front torso just slightly; with
each exhalation release a little more fully into the forward bend. In this way the
torso oscillates and lengthens almost imperceptibly with the breath. Eventually
you may be able to stretch the arms out beyond the feet on the floor.
Stay in the pose anywhere from 1 to 3 minutes. To come up, first lift the
torso away from the thighs and straighten the elbows again if they are bent. Then
inhale and lift the torso up by pulling the tailbone down and into the pelvis.
Bound Angle Pose - Baddha Konasana

Bound Angle Pose, also called Cobbler's Pose after the typical sitting
position of Indian cobblers, is an excellent groin and hip-opener.
Benefits include:
• Stimulates abdominal organs, ovaries and prostate gland, bladder, and
kidneys
• Stimulates the heart and improves general circulation
• Stretches the inner thighs, groins, and knees
• Helps relieve mild depression, anxiety, and fatigue
• Soothes menstrual discomfort and sciatica
• Therapeutic for flat feet, high blood pressure, infertility, and asthma
• Consistent practice of this pose until late into pregnancy is said to help
ease childbirth.
• Traditional texts say that Baddha Konasana destroys disease and gets rid
of fatigue.

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Sit with your legs straight out in front of you, raising your pelvis on a
blanket if your hips or groins are tight. Exhale, bend your knees, pull your heels
toward your pelvis, then drop your knees out to the sides and press the soles of
your feet together.
Bring your heels as close to your pelvis as you comfortably can. With the
first and second finger and thumb, grasp the big toe of each foot. Always keep the
outer edges of the feet firmly on the floor. If it isn't possible to hold the toes, clasp
each hand around the same-side ankle or shin.
Sit so that the pubis in front and the tailbone in back are equidistant from
the floor. The perineum then will be approximately parallel to the floor and the
pelvis in a neutral position. Firm the sacrum and shoulder blades against the
back and lengthen the front torso through the top of the sternum.
Never force your knees down. Instead release the heads of the thigh bones
toward the floor. When this action leads, the knees follow.
Stay in this pose anywhere from 1 to 5 minutes. Then inhale, lift your
knees away from the floor, and extend the legs back to their original position.
Wide-Angle Seated Forward Bend - Upavistha Konasana

Upavistha Konasana is a good preparation for most of the seated forward
bends and twists, as well as the wide-leg standing poses
Benefits include:
• Stretches the insides and backs of the legs
• Stimulates the abdominal organs
• Strengthens the spine
• Calms the brain

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• Releases groins
Use caution with this exercise if you have a lower back injury.
Sit with your legs extended out in front of you, then lean your torso back
slightly on your hands and lift and open your legs to an angle of about 90 degrees
(the legs should form an approximate right angle, with the pubis at the apex).
Press your hands against the floor and slide your buttocks forward, widening the
legs another 10 to 20 degrees. If you can’t sit comfortably on the floor, raise your
buttocks on a folded blanket.
Rotate your thighs outwardly, pinning the outer thighs against the floor, so
that the knee caps point straight up toward the ceiling. Reach out through your
heels and stretch your soles, pressing though the balls of the feet.
With your thigh bones pressed heavily into the floor and your knee caps
pointing up at the ceiling, walk your hands forward between your legs. Keep your
arms long.
As with all forward bends, the emphasis is on moving from the hip joints
and maintaining the length of the front torso. As soon as you find yourself
bending from the waist, stop, re-establish the length from the pubis to the navel,
and continue forward if possible.
Increase the forward bend on each exhalation until you feel a comfortable
stretch in the backs of your legs. Stay in the pose 1 minute or longer. Then come
up on an inhalation with a long front torso.
Full Boat Pose

An abdominal and deep hip flexor strengthener, Boat Pose requires you to
balance on the tripod of your sitting bones and tailbone.
Benefits include:
• Strengthens the abdomen, hip flexors, and spine
• Stimulates the kidneys, thyroid and prostate glands, and intestines
• Helps relieve stress

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Use caution if you have low blood pressure, insomnia, neck problems, are
pregnant or menstruating.
Sit on the floor with your legs straight in front of you. Press your hands on
the floor a little behind your hips, fingers pointing toward the feet, and
strengthen the arms. Lift through the top of the sternum and lean back slightly.
As you do this make sure your back doesn't round; continue to lengthen the front
of your torso between the pubis and top sternum. Sit on the "tripod" of your two
sitting bones and tailbone.
Exhale and bend your knees, then lift your feet off the floor, so that the
thighs are angled about 45-50 degrees relative to the floor. Lengthen your
tailbone into the floor and lift your pubis toward your navel. If possible, slowly
straighten your knees, raising the tips of your toes slightly above the level of your
eyes. If this isn't possible remain with your knees bent, perhaps lifting the shins
parallel to the floor.
Stretch your arms alongside the legs, parallel to each other and the floor.
Spread the shoulder blades across your back and reach strongly out through the
fingers. If this isn't possible, keep the hands on the floor beside your hips or hold
on to the backs of your thighs.
While the lower belly should be firm, it shouldn't get hard and thick. Try to
keep the lower belly relatively flat. Press the heads of the thigh bones toward the
floor to help anchor the pose and lift the top sternum. Breathe easily. Tip the chin
slightly toward the sternum so the base of the skull lifts lightly away from the
back of the neck.
At first stay in the pose for 10-20 seconds. Gradually increase the time of
your stay to 1 minute. Release the legs with an exhalation and sit upright on an
inhalation.
Bridge Pose
This active version of Bridge Pose calms the brain and rejuvenates tired
legs.
Benefits include:
• Stretches the chest, neck, and spine

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• Calms the brain and helps alleviate stress and mild depression
• Stimulates abdominal organs, lungs, and thyroid
• Rejuvenates tired legs
• Relieves menstrual discomfort when done supported
• Reduces anxiety, fatigue, backache, headache, and insomnia
• Therapeutic for asthma, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and sinusitis
Use caution if you have a neck injury.
Lie supine on the floor, and if necessary, place a thickly folded blanket
under your shoulders to protect your neck. Bend your knees and set your feet on
the floor, heels as close to the sitting bones as possible.
Exhale and, pressing your inner feet and arms actively into the floor, push
your tailbone upward toward the pubis, firming (but not hardening) the buttocks,
and lift the buttocks off the floor. Keep your thighs and inner feet parallel. Clasp
the hands below your pelvis and extend through the arms to help you stay on the
tops of your shoulders.
Lift your buttocks until the thighs are about parallel to the floor. Keep your
knees directly over the heels, but push them forward, away from the hips, and
lengthen the tailbone toward the backs of the knees. Lift the pubis toward the
navel.
Lift your chin slightly away from the sternum and, firming the shoulder
blades against your back, press the top of the sternum toward the chin. Firm the
outer arms, broaden the shoulder blades, and try to lift the space between them
at the base of the neck (where it's resting on the blanket) up into the torso.
Stay in the pose anywhere from 30 seconds to 1 minute. Release with an
exhalation, rolling the spine slowly down onto the floor.

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Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose - Viparita Karani

Said to reverse the normal downward flow of a precious subtle fluid called
amrita (immortal) or soma (extract) in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, modern yogis
agree that Viparita Karani may have the power to cure whatever ails you.
Benefits include:
• Relieves tired or cramped legs and feet
• Gently stretches the back legs, front torso, and the back of the neck
• Relieves mild backache
• Calms the mind
The pose described this is a passive, supported variation of the shoulder

stand. For your support you'll need one or two thickly folded blankets or a firm
round bolster. You'll also need to rest your legs vertically (or nearly so) on a wall
or other upright support.
Before performing the pose, determine two things about your support: its
height and its distance from the wall. If you're stiffer, the support should be lower
and placed farther from the wall; if you're more flexible, use a higher support that
is closer to the wall.
Your distance from the wall also depends on your height: if you're shorter
move closer to the wall, if taller move farther from the wall. Experiment with the
position of your support until you find the placement that works for you.
Start with your support about 5 to 6 inches away from the wall. Sit
sideways on right end of the support, with your right side against the wall (left-
handers can substitute "left" for "right" in these instructions). Exhale and, with
one smooth movement, swing your legs up onto the wall and your shoulders and
head lightly down onto the floor.
The first few times you do this you may slide off the support and plop
down with your buttocks on the floor. Don't get discouraged. Try lowering the
support and/or moving it slightly further off the wall until you gain some facility
with this movement, then move back closer to the wall.

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Your sitting bones don't need to be right against the wall, but they should
be "dripping" down into the space between the support and the wall. Check that
the front of your torso gently arches from the pubis to the top of the shoulders.
If the front of your torso seems flat, then you've probably slipped a bit off
the support. Bend your knees, press your feet into the wall and lift your pelvis off
the support a few inches, tuck the support a little higher up under your pelvis,
then lower your pelvis onto the support again.
Lift and release the base of your skull away from the back of your neck and
soften your throat. Don't push your chin against your sternum; instead let your
sternum lift toward the chin. Take a small roll (made from a towel for example)
under your neck if the cervical spine feels flat. Open your shoulder blades away
from the spine and release your hands and arms out to your sides, palms up.
Keep your legs relatively firm, just enough to hold them vertically in place.
Release the heads of the thigh bones and the weight of your belly deeply into your
torso, toward the back of the pelvis. Soften your eyes and turn them down to look
into your heart.
Stay in this pose anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. Be sure not to twist off
the support when coming out. Instead, slide off the support onto the floor before
turning to the side. You can also bend your knees and push your feet against the
wall to lift your pelvis off the support. Then slide the support to one side, lower
your pelvis to the floor, and turn to the side. Stay on your side for a few breaths,
and come up to sitting with an exhalation.
Corpse Pose - Savasana

Savasana is a pose of total relaxation—making it one of the most challenging
asanas.
Benefits include:
• Relaxes the body
• Reduces headache, fatigue, and insomnia
• Helps to lower blood pressure
In Savasana it's essential that the body be placed in a neutral position. Sit
on the floor with your knees bent, feet on the floor, and lean back onto your
forearms. Lift your pelvis slightly off the floor and, with your hands, push the
back of the pelvis toward the tailbone, then return the pelvis to the floor.
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Inhale and slowly extend the right leg, then the left, pushing through the
heels. Release both legs, softening the groins, and see that the legs are angled
evenly relative to the mid-line of the torso, and that the feet turn out equally. You
should narrow the front pelvis and soften (but don't flatten) the lower back.
With your hands lift the base of the skull away from the back of the neck
and release the back of the neck down toward the tailbone. If you have any
difficulty doing this, support the back of the head and neck on a folded blanket.
Broaden the base of the skull too, and lift the crease of the neck diagonally into
the center of the head. Make sure your ears are equidistant from your shoulders.
Reach your arms toward the ceiling, perpendicular to the floor. Rock
slightly from side to side and broaden the back ribs and the shoulder blades away
from the spine. Then release the arms to the floor, angled evenly relative to the
mid-line of torso.
Turn the arms outward and stretch them away from the space between the
shoulder blades. Rest the backs of the hands on the floor as close as you
comfortably can to the index finger knuckles. Make sure the shoulder blades are
resting evenly on the floor. Imagine the lower tips of the shoulder blades are
lifting diagonally into your back toward the top of the sternum. From here,
spread the collarbones.
In addition to quieting the physical body in Savasana, it's also necessary to
pacify the sense organs. Soften the root of the tongue, the wings of the nose, the
channels of the inner ears, and the skin of the forehead, especially around the
bridge of the nose between the eyebrows. Let the eyes sink to the back of the
head, then turn them downward to gaze at the heart. Release your brain to the
back of the head.
Stay in this pose for 5 minutes for every 30 minutes of practice. To exit,
first roll gently with an exhalation onto one side, preferably the right. Take 2 or 3
breaths. With another exhalation press your hands against the floor and lift your
torso, dragging your head slowly after. The head should always come up last.
After completing these exercises, take a few moments to practice some
deep meditation which is covered in the next section.

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MEDITATION
Meditation can be more accurately called relaxation. It is striving to reach
a state of serenity within your body and mind. Achieving a balance between the
two can lead you to self-actualization and inner peace. Who couldn’t use that?
Meditating is actually easier than you might imagine. Most of us have
probably dabbled in meditation by participating in conscious relaxation –
perhaps during an exercise class or to manage pain at the dentist or anxiety
before a test. We start by paying attention to our breathing. The practical effort of
meditation is to focus completely on our breathing taking our minds away from
the "mind clutter" that constantly tries to invade our mind and eliminates
feelings that will lead to a time of calm.
With repeated effort the goal of clearing your mind – to think of nothing,
does occur and the process of meditation takes on its own energy. The result is
peace, serenity, calmness, eventually opening you to new insights.
Our world can be fast, fun and exciting. It is also challenging, trying,
demanding and frightening. These two sides of our lives produce stress,
emotional reactions, anxiety, worry and anticipation. Our bodies and minds can
tolerate only so much of any of these. After a while, each of us reaches a
saturation point and the results become uncomfortable at best; for some it may
be unbearable, even unendurable.
No magic pill is available to eliminate these feelings. The reality is, as the
wise old man said, the answer is inside all of us. To manage these universal
concerns we must go inside ourselves. Among the steps we can take is the
learning and practicing of meditation.
There is no right or wrong behavior during your meditation. It is your time
for you. Everyone deserves this kind of personal attention. This is a self-care
activity; loving oneself!
Teach it to your children instead of a time-out in their room or corner.
Teach it to your friends, family, anyone who will listen. We can share this gift and
get back as we give. We are all better because of each person who meditates. The
peace and joy felt by those who meditate enters the world for all of us as positive
energy. From it the world is a better place.
So what exactly is meditation? There are many types of meditation. The
one definition that fits almost all types is..."Consciously directing your attention
to alter your state of consciousness."
There's no limit to the things you can direct your attention toward...
symbols, sounds, colors, breath, uplifting thoughts, spiritual realms, etc.

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Meditation is simply about attention... where you direct it, and how it alters your
consciousness.
Traditionally meditation was (and still is) used for spiritual growth...i.e.
becoming more conscious; unfolding our inner Light, Love, & Wisdom; becoming
more aware of the guiding Presence in our lives; accelerating our journey home to
our True Self... our Spirit.
More recently, meditation has become a valuable tool for finding a
peaceful oasis of relaxation and stress relief in a demanding, fast-paced world.
It can be used for healing, emotional cleansing and balancing, deepening
concentration, unlocking creativity, and finding inner guidance. Meditating is
also the culmination of yoga exercises as your body reaches a state of relaxation,
so should your mind.
When you begin your meditation, put your expectations aside, and don't
worry about doing it right. There are infinite possibilities and no fixed criterion
for determining right meditation. There are, however, a few things to avoid.
Don’t try to force something to happen. Don’t over-analyze the meditation and
don’t try to make your mind blank or chase thoughts away. There is no one
“right” way to meditate, so just concentrate on the process and find the best way
for YOU!
Find a quiet, comfortable place to meditate. You can sit in a comfortable
chair, on the bed, on the floor... anywhere that's comfortable. It's not necessary to
sit cross-legged. Your legs can be in any position that is comfortable. Eliminate as
much noise and as many potential distractions as possible. Don't worry about
those things that you can not control.
When you sit to meditate, sit comfortably, with your spine reasonably
straight. This allows the spiritual energy to flow freely up the spine, which is an
important aspect of meditation. Leaning against a chair back, a wall, headboard,
etc. is perfectly all right. If, for physical reasons, you can't sit up, lay flat on your
back. Place your hands in any position that is comfortable.
There are many types of meditation you can practice. We’ll explore some
of the more popular and effective ones.
UNIVERSAL MANTRA MEDITATION
This meditation comes from an ancient Indian text called the Malini Vijaya
Tantra, which dates back about 5000 years. It is a very easy meditation, yet very
powerful in its capacity to quiet your mind and connect you with your Essence or
Inner Spirit.
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This meditation uses a mantra as your object of focus. A mantra is a word

or phrase that has the power to catalyze a shift into deeper, more peaceful states
of awareness. The mantra most use for this meditation is: Aum. Aum does not
have a literal translation. Rather, it is the essential vibration of the universe. If
you were to tune into the actual sound of the cosmos, the perpetual sound of
Aummm is what you would hear.
Although this mantra is sometimes chanted aloud, in this meditation, you
will be repeating the mantra mentally... silently. Before we get to the actual steps,
there are a few important points to be aware of.
• One of the keys to this meditation is repeating the mantra gently or

faintly in your mind.
• The power of this technique comes from letting go and allowing

your attention to dive into the deeper realms of awareness.
Therefore, even though you will be focusing on the mantra, staying
focused on the mantra is not the aim of this meditation. Trying too
hard to stay focused would keep your attention from descending
into the deeper realms. Instead, you will be repeating the mantra
with "minimal effort", and giving your mind the space to wander a
bit.
• Resist the temptation to make something happen, and allow the

mantra to do the work.
This meditation easily produces a shift into deeper, more peaceful states of
awareness. (The degree of this will vary from session to session.) It increases the
flow of energy to the brain and clears away a good deal of physical and emotional
toxins.
Because of this detoxification, it is best to keep this meditation to 10 or 15
minutes a day when first beginning. After a month or so, it can be increased to 20
minutes, but that should be the maximum for anyone who does not have quite a
few years of meditation experience. Also, it is advisable to drink a lot of pure
water. Finally, mantra meditation accelerates spiritual growth as you achieve a
state of relaxation and self-awareness.
1. Sit comfortably, with your eyes closed and your spine reasonably straight.
2. Begin repeating the mantra gently in your mind.
3. Repeat the mantra at whatever tempo feels most natural. There is no need
to synchronize the mantra with your breathing, but if this occurs naturally,
it's ok.
4. Allow the mantra to arise more faintly in your mind... repeating it with
minimal effort.
5. Continue repeating the mantra faintly, and allow for whatever happens.
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6. If at any time, you feel that you are slipping into a sleep-like or dream-like
state, allow it to happen.
7. If and when you notice that your attention has drifted completely off the
mantra, gently begin repeating it again, and continue with minimal effort.
8. After 10 or 15 minutes, stop repeating the mantra, and come out of your
meditation slowly.
RELAXATION MEDITATION
This remarkably easy and relaxing meditation makes use of a little-known

secret about the eyes. Allowing the eyes to rest in a soft downward gaze has an
instant, automatic relaxing effect. Relaxation meditation provides a great deal of
stress reduction and can be used as a quick 2 minute relax and refresh break
almost anywhere. You will also realize a heightened sense of alertness.
1. Sit comfortably with your spine reasonably straight.
2. Allow your eyes to rest comfortably downward, gazing softly, but not
focused on anything.
3. Without closing your eyes completely, let your eyelids drop to a level that
feels most comfortable.
4. Continue gazing downward... the act of gazing is your primary focus
(rather than the area at which you are gazing). You may notice your
breathing becoming more rhythmic.
5. It's ok to let your attention drift a bit. If your eyes become very heavy, it's
ok to let them close. If you notice you've come out of your relaxed space,
simply bring your attention back to your relaxed downward gaze.
ENERGY HEALING MEDITATION
In this simple healing meditation, you send the powerful healing Life
Force directly to the area in need of help. This Life Force is the energy behind all
healing. Wherever this energy is flowing and in balance, there is health and well
being. Wherever this energy is blocked or out of balance, illness manifests.
Many people believe in visualization as a key healing tool. Energy healing
meditation helps you to concentrate your positive energy on an afflicted area and
alleviate any adverse symptoms and feelings that are being manifested through
the physical pain.
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1. Sit reasonably straight and close your eyes.

2. Breathe slowly, as silently as possible. (Holding your breath after inhaling
or exhaling is not recommended.)
3. As you inhale, feel yourself breathing the healing Life Force in through
your solar plexus. Picture this Life Force as a very refined, light energy.
4. As you exhale, gently direct this light energy to the afflicted area. If there is
not a specific ailing area, disperse this light energy throughout your body
as you exhale.
5. Continue until you feel the area has received enough Life Force.
COLOR HEALING MEDITATION

We are not just our physical selves. We are multi-dimensional beings,
composed of an Inner Spirit, a mental body, an emotional body, a vital body, and
a physical body. The energy of these bodies becomes progressively subtler from
physical to spiritual. Illness begins with disharmony in one of these energy
bodies. If not harmonized, the disease moves outward, affecting the denser
bodies, ultimately manifesting as physical illness.
Total healing requires restoring harmony to all of our bodies. This
meditation is designed to cleanse and harmonize your various bodies with the
healing energies of color.
Color healing meditation will provide you with cleansing, balancing, &
healing at all levels: Spiritual, Mental, Emotional, Vital, & Physical. It also will
develop concentration & visualization abilities.
1. Sit comfortably with your eyes closed.
2. Visualize a large ball of radiant Golden light a few inches over your head.
Visualize that ball of light slowly descending through your crown, filling
your entire being with golden light.
3. Imagine yourself absorbing that light as it nourishes, cleanses & heals your
whole being - your Spirit and all of your bodies - dissolving all blocked and
toxic energies.
4. Repeat this exercise, visualizing a ball of Red light. Continue through the
entire spectrum like this, visualizing a ball of Orange light; Yellow light;
Green light; Blue light; Indigo light; and Violet light. Go through the
spectrum at whatever pace feels appropriate.
5. Take some time to visualize yourself in a state of perfect, radiant health.

36
CENTERING
Centering is meditation in action. Within you is a space that is always calm
and at peace. This space is often referred to as your "calm center". Being centered
means remaining in your calm center amidst the busyness of everyday life. Being
centered means not allowing your inner light to be overshadowed by stressful
circumstances or negative thoughts and emotions.
When you are centered, you are in a state of clarity, focus, peace, and
balance. When you are not centered, you are unclear, unfocussed, stressed, and
off balance.
A good centering technique will require only minimal attention, allowing
you to keep some of your attention on the activity at hand. Here are some very
easy, effective centering techniques.
1. Simple Breath Awareness
While involved in whatever you are doing, bring some attention to your
breathing for just a few moments... it needn't be your full attention... just
enough to bring you back to your calm center. Breathe naturally, or
perhaps just a little more slowly and deeply.
2. Reclaiming Your Energy

When you are feeling stressed and scattered, take several slow, deep
breaths. With each in-breath, imagine you are pulling all of your scattered
energy and attention back to your inner self... your calm center.
3. Letting Go
This centering technique combines breath awareness with the phrase or
mantra, "Let go." It is especially helpful when you are tense and/or
fixating on a stressful situation or a negative thought or emotion.
As you inhale, (silently or aloud) say, "Let"
As you exhale, say "go"... while letting go of all that is stressing you.
4. Inner Sun
Imagine a bright sun filling your heart chakra... the calm, subtle energy
field that permeates your chest area. Imagine that sun gently emanating
peace and joy throughout your entire being.

37
Yoga and meditation certainly have proven to be effective tools to lessen

stress and provide a sense of calm that cannot be achieved through conventional
exercise. So what about those stress-filled days at the office when you are unable
to concentrate on work because of outside distractions? You can perform yoga
right at your desk if you want! Let’s look at “desktop yoga”.
DESKTOP YOGA
Whether you’re a high-powered executive or an administrative assistant
with your boss’s problems becoming your own, many people in the business
world experience an inordinate amount of stress at the office. It would be nice to
have a quiet place to practice conventional yoga techniques, but that isn’t always
possible.
Yoga experts have devised a way for you to do a short yoga program right
at your desk. Try these exercises to de-stress at the office.
• Sit up tall in your chair, or if possible stand up. Stretch your arms
overhead and interlock your fingers, turn the palms to the ceiling. Take a
deep breathe in and on the exhale extend your side torso and take the tips
of the shoulder blades into the body. Take another deep breathe and on
the exhale stretch to the right, inhale come up and exhale stretch to the
left.
• On an inhale, lift your shoulders up to your ears and then exhale and let
them drop. Repeat 3 times. Contract the shoulder muscle fully when you
lift your shoulders up and then on the drop it will release more completely.
• Stand (or sit at your desk) with your feet planted firmly in the ground.
Inhale and raise the arms out to the side, palms down. Exhale and rotate
the palms up, rolling the shoulders back. Take an inhale and on the exhale,
bend the elbows in toward the waist. Inhale and on the exhale bring the
palms to the belly. This exercise helps to open the chest and extend the
upper back.
• Take your hands behind your back and interlock the fingers, stretching the
shoulders back, opening the chest. Take several breaths. Make sure that
your head stays in the mid-line and that your eye gaze is on the horizon.

38
• Stand by the wall, extend your right arm and place the palm on the wall
with the fingers up. On an exhale, turn your chest away, taking the
shoulder blade into the torso.
• Stand by your desk and place your palms on the desk top with the fingers
pointing toward your body. Gently stretch the lower arm and wrist.
• Wrap the right arm around the torso and place your right hand on the left
shoulder with the elbow at chest height and facing forward. Put your left
hand on the right elbow and on an exhale, stretch it toward the left,
opening between the shoulder blades. Hold for several breaths and then
release. Repeat on the other side
• Reach the right arm into the air and on an exhale bend the elbow and
reach your fingers down the back, between the shoulder blades. Place the
left hand on the elbow and on an exhale gently pull the elbow to the left.
Relax the ribs and hold for several breaths. Release and repeat on the
other side
• Hug your arms around your chest and then put one elbow underneath the
other, the hand facing toward each other and fingers to the ceiling. Exhale
and slowly raise the arms so that the elbows come up to the height of the
shoulder, keep the shoulders down. Repeat on the other side.
• Sit on your chair and pull back away from the desk, resting your palms on
the desk top and extend your side torso. Lift the ribs up, let the shoulder
blades slide towards the desk, and make sure the head is extended from
the spine with the chin towards the chest.
• Sit on your chair, feet planted firmly in the floor, sitting bones pressing
into the chair. Extend the side torso, and twist to the right (on an exhale),
one hand on back to chair, one hand on the side of the chair. Hold for a
few breaths and then repeat the other side.
• Sit forward on your chair and open the legs a little wider than the hips.
Lean forward from the hips and drop your torso down. Let the head and
arms hang down toward the floor.
• Sit upright in your chair with your feet planted firmly on the ground. Press
your sitting bones down into the chair and extend the side torso. Relax
your shoulders. Place your palms on your knees and spread the fingers
wide. Take a deep breath in and on the exhale extend your tongue to your
chin; focus your eyes to your nose. Inhale and bring the tongue back into
the mouth. Exhale and stick the tongue out again and this time focus the
eyes up to your forehead. Repeat 3 times.
• Sit upright on chair, relax your shoulders and extend the side torso up.
Relax your facial muscles, the jaw and tongue. Circle the eyes clockwise 8
39
times and counter-clockwise 8 times. Close your eyes and breathe deeply
for a few slow breaths.
You may want to try a quick relaxation meditation to wrap up this session
just as a way to refresh and regroup.
Yoga can be used for more than simple de-stressing. It can also be used to
alleviate the symptoms of everyday ailments without the use of medication.
YOGA FOR HEADACHES

There are many different kinds of headaches. Some (like tension
headaches and migraines) are fairly common; others (like sinus headaches or
headaches caused by brain tumors) are relatively rare. Various treatments are
recommended for dealing with headaches. Yoga asanas and breathing can help
too, though mostly with tension-type headaches.
Everyone gets a tension headache now and again, but if you suffer from
this type of headache habitually, it's important to consult a doctor or other health
practitioner to treat the pain and work to resolve the ultimate source of the
tension.
When treating a tension headache with asanas and breathing, it's
important to start practicing as soon as possible after you start to feel the pain.
Once the headache is established it will be very difficult to alleviate.
Here are the yoga positions that can be used to alleviate a headache:
Child’s Pose (Balasana)
1. Kneel on the floor. Touch your big toes together and sit on your heels,
then separate your knees about as wide as your hips.
2. Exhale and lay your torso down between your thighs. Broaden your
sacrum across the back of your pelvis and narrow your hip points
toward the navel, so that they nestle down onto the inner thighs.
Lengthen your tailbone away from the back of the pelvis while you lift
the base of your skull away from the back of your neck.

40
3. Lay your hands on the floor alongside your torso, palms up, and release
the fronts of your shoulders toward the floor. Feel how the weight of
the front shoulders pulls the shoulder blades wide across your back.
4. Balasana is a resting pose. Stay anywhere from 30 seconds to a few
minutes. Beginners can also use Balasana to get a taste of a deep
forward bend, where the torso rests on the thighs. Stay in the pose
from 1 to 3 minutes. To come up, first lengthen the front torso, and
then with an inhalation lift from the tailbone as it presses down and
into the pelvis.
Note: you can do the child’s pose when you get tired, out of breath, or
need to rest. Simply pick up with your exercises again when refreshed. Child’s
pose is also a great way to quickly alleviate stress at any time.
Downward Facing Dog – 21
Standing Forward Bend
1. Stand in relaxed position with your hands on your hips. Exhale and
bend forward from the hip joints, not from the waist. As you
descend draw the front torso out of the groins and open the space
between the pubis and top sternum. As in all the forward bends, the
emphasis is on lengthening the front torso as you move more fully
into the position.
2. If possible, with your knees straight, bring your palms or finger tips
to the floor slightly in front of or beside your feet, or bring your
palms to the backs of your ankles. If this isn't possible, cross your
forearms and hold your elbows. Press the heels firmly into the floor
and lift the sitting bones toward the ceiling. Turn the top thighs
slightly inward.
3. With each inhalation in the pose, lift and lengthen the front torso
just slightly; with each exhalation release a little more fully into the
forward bend. In this way the torso oscillates almost imperceptibly

41
with the breath. Let your head hang from the root of the neck,
which is deep in the upper back, between the shoulder blades.
4. This pose can be used as a resting position between the standing
poses. Stay in the pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute. It can also be
practiced as a pose in itself.
5. Don't roll the spine to come up. Instead bring your hands back onto
your hips and reaffirm the length of the front torso. Then press your
tailbone down and into the pelvis and come up on an inhalation
with a long front torso.
Bridge Pose – Page 34
Legs Up The Wall – Page 36
Corpse Pose – Page 38
YOGA FOR MENSTRUAL CRAMPS

Menstrual cramps can be very debilitating for those who suffer from
severe cramps early in their cycle. While your first inclination might be to lay on
your couch in the fetus position moaning in pain, try yoga to relieve the pain.
Exercise during menstruation is generally highly recommended. It's
believed that exercise can ease the discomfort of your period; quell mood swings,
anxiety, and depression; and reduce bloating.
Most contemporary yoga teachers advise a fairly conservative approach
toward asana practice during menstruation. This makes perfect sense for women
who feel sluggish during their cycle.
However, many other women don't feel the need to change anything about
their practice during menstruation, except maybe to limit strenuous inverted
poses. Each student should decide for herself what kind of asana sequence is
most appropriate for her body during menstruation.

42
Reclining Bound Angle
• Sit with the soles of your feet touching each other. Exhale and lower your
back torso toward the floor, first leaning on your hands.
• Once you are leaning back on your forearms, use your hands to spread the
back of your pelvis and release your lower back and upper buttocks
through your tailbone. Bring your torso all the way to the floor, supporting
your head and neck on a blanket roll or bolster if needed.
• With your hands grip your topmost thighs and rotate your inner thighs
externally, pressing your outer thighs away from the sides of your torso.
Next slide your hands along your outer thighs from the hips toward the
knees and widen your outer knees away from your hips.
• Then slide your hands down along your inner thighs, from the knees to the
groins. Imagine that your inner groins are sinking into your pelvis. Push
your hip points together, so that while the back pelvis widens, the front
pelvis narrows. Lay your arms on the floor, angled at about 45 degrees
from the sides of your torso, palms up.
• The natural tendency in this pose is to push the knees toward the floor in
the belief that this will increase the stretch of the inner thighs and groins.
But especially if your groins are tight, pushing the knees down will have
just the opposite of the intended effect: The groins will harden, as will your
belly and lower back. Instead, imagine that your knees are floating up
toward the ceiling and continue settling your groins deep into your pelvis.
As your groins drop toward the floor, so will your knees.
• To start, stay in this pose for one minute. Gradually extend your stay
anywhere from five to 10 minutes. To come out, use your hands to press
your thighs together, then roll over onto one side and push yourself away
from the floor, head trailing the torso.
• Move back into sitting position with the soles of your feet touching.
Seated Forward Bend – Page 28
Wide Angle Seated Forward Bend – Page 32
Upward Bow

43
Basically, this is a simple back bend. Lay on the floor, place your hands above
your head flat on the floor and raise your back into an arched position.
Seated Twist
Still sitting twist to the right with an exhalation, hold for 30 seconds, then twist to
the left for 30 seconds. Repeat three times to each side, each time holding for 30
seconds.
Legs Up the Wall – Page 36
Corpse Pose – Page 38
YOGA FOR DEPRESSION

The word "depression" covers a wide range of conditions, from long-
standing and severe clinical or major depression to shorter-term and episodic
mild depression, to situational depression brought on by a major life change,
such as the death of a spouse, job loss, divorce.
Many different therapies are available for depression, including anti-
depressants and psychotherapy. Studies indicate that regular exercise too,
including yoga asanas and breathing, can help some people ease the symptoms of
mild to moderate forms of depression.
Of course, one major hurdle in using exercise to alleviate depression is
motivation, or lack of it. Most depressed people don't really feel much like getting
out of bed in the morning, much less exercising.
Then too, failure to see the exercise program through can make a
depressed person feel even worse. So start off slowly, and be sure to choose an
exercise that you really enjoy; if possible, exercise with a supportive partner or
group. Try to exercise at least three times a week.
Reclining Bound Angle –
Downward Facing Dog –
Standing Forward Bend –
Headstand

44
• Use a folded blanket or sticky mat to pad your head and forearms. Kneel
on the floor. Lace your fingers together and set the forearms on the floor,
elbows at shoulder width.
• Roll the upper arms slightly outward, but press the inner wrists firmly into
the floor. Set the crown of your head on the floor.
• If you are just beginning to practice this pose, press the bases of your
palms together and snuggle the back of your head against the clasped
hands. More experienced students can open their hands and place the
back of the head into the open palms.
• Inhale and lift your knees off the floor. Carefully walk your feet closer to
your elbows, heels elevated. Actively lift through the top thighs, forming
an inverted "V."
• Firm the shoulder blades against your back and lift them toward the
tailbone so the front torso stays as long as possible. This should help
prevent the weight of the shoulders collapsing onto your neck and head.
• Exhale and lift your feet away from the floor. Take both feet up at the same
time, even if it means bending your knees and hopping lightly off the floor.
As the legs (or thighs, if your knees are bent) rise to perpendicular to the
floor, firm the tailbone against the back of the pelvis.
• Turn the upper thighs in slightly, and actively press the heels toward the
ceiling (straightening the knees if you bent them to come up). The center
of the arches should align over the center of the pelvis, which in turn
should align over the crown of the head.
• Firm the outer arms inward, and soften the fingers. Continue to press the
shoulder blades against the back, widen them, and draw them toward the
tailbone. Keep the weight evenly balanced on the two forearms.
• It's also essential that your tailbone continues to lift upward toward the
heels. Once the backs of the legs are fully lengthened through the heels,
maintain that length and press up through the balls of the big toes so the
inner legs are slightly longer than the outer.
• As a beginner, stay in this position for 10 seconds. Gradually add 5 to 10

seconds onto your stay every day or so until you can comfortably hold the
pose for 3 minutes. Then continue for 3 minutes each day for a week or
two, until you feel relatively comfortable in the pose.
• Again gradually add 5 to 10 seconds onto your stay every day or so until
you can comfortably hold the pose for 5 minutes. Come down with an
exhalation, without losing the lift of the shoulder blades, with both feet
touching the floor at the same time.

45
Upward Bow –
Seated Twist –
Bridge –
Head to Knee Forward Bend
Benefits Include:
• Calms the brain and helps relieve mild depression
• Stretches the spine, shoulders, hamstrings, and groins
• Stimulates the liver and kidneys
• Relieves anxiety, fatigue, headache, menstrual discomfort
• Therapeutic for high blood pressure, insomnia, and sinusitis
• Strengthens the back muscles during pregnancy (up to second trimester),
done without coming forward, keeping your back spine concave and front
torso long.
Use caution with this pose if you have a knee injury.
1. Sit on the floor with your buttocks lifted on a folded blanket and your legs
straight in front of you. Inhale, bend your right knee, and draw the heel
back toward your perineum. Rest your right foot sole lightly against your
inner left thigh, and lay the outer right leg on the floor, with the shin at a
right angle to the left leg (if your right knee doesn't rest comfortably on the
floor, support it with a folded blanket).
2. Press your right hand against the inner right groin, where the thigh joins
the pelvis, and your left hand on the floor beside the hip. Exhale and turn
the torso slightly to the left, lifting the torso as you push down on and

46
ground the inner right thigh. Line up your navel with the middle of the left
thigh. You can just stay here, using a strap to help you lengthen the spine
evenly, grounding through the sitting bones.
3. Or, when you are ready, you can drop the strap and reach out with your
right hand to take the inner left foot, thumb on the sole. Inhale and lift the
front torso, pressing the top of the left thigh into the floor and extending
actively through the left heel. Use the pressure of the left hand on the floor
to increase the twist to the left. Then reach your left hand to the outside of
the foot. With the arms fully extended, lengthen the front torso from the
pubis to the top of the sternum.
4. Exhale and extend forward from the groins, not the hips. Be sure not to
pull yourself forcefully into the forward bend, hunching the back and
shortening the front torso. As you descend, bend your elbows out to the
sides and lift them away from the floor.
5. Lengthen forward into a comfortable stretch. The lower belly should touch
the thighs first, the head last. Stay in the pose anywhere from 1 to 3
minutes. Come up with an inhalation and repeat the instructions with the
legs reversed for the same length of time.
Bridge –
Legs Up The Wall –
Corpse Pose –

47
CONCLUSION
The popularity of yoga is, without a doubt, increasing as people are
constantly trying to balance the stresses of everyday life with their own spiritual
well-being.
It is important for you, the reader, to realize that we are not medical
professionals and have simply tried to provide you with an introduction to yoga
and meditation. This book is a way for you to get started on your own yoga
program.
If you have special health considerations, you should be sure and consult
with your doctor before embarking on a yoga program, or any other exercise
program for that matter. We cannot be held responsible in any way for any
problems that may arise from your yoga journey. This is meant simply as an
informational tool to help you start down that path.
But you will find that once you start initiating yoga into your daily exercise
routine, you will most likely notice a heightened state of well-being and a more
spiritual connection to both your inner self as well as any higher power you
choose to acknowledge.
Remember to concentrate on your breathing when performing the poses,
and don’t force your body into positions it isn’t comfortable doing. When
meditating, focus on the inner calm you are trying to achieve.
Perform these exercises when you get the chance. You don’t have to do a
full cycle to feel better. Even practicing one exercise when you have the time can
have huge therapeutic benefits to mind, body, and soul!
Yoga can better your life in so many ways. It can help you become a better
spouse, parent, worker, and person. You can help others by spreading your
experiences with yoga and meditation. Imagine the thanks you’ll receive as you
tell others how this ancient art has enhanced your life!
Shanti (peace) to you as you journey to your own Shambhala (place of
utter tranquility).

48
For more great resources about yoga and meditation visit:

http://www.topselfimprovementproducts.com


ABC of Yoga &amp Meditation

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For More Information Click On The Link Bellow:

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As studies continue to reveal yoga's many health benefits, this centuries-

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We will attempt to simplify the ancient practice of yoga by showing you

No longer is yoga a mysterious phenomenon. It is now simply a way to

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As we have said, yoga is an ancient Indian philosophy that enhances

Yoga is a tool for gaining body-mind awareness to enhance whatever

People who have done no physical exercise at all, as well as Olympic

As in all great arts and sciences, to become proficient in yoga requires

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Yoga Creates both flexibility and strength along with cardiovascular

You weight train to gain strength, jog or do aerobics for a cardiovascular

providing a forewarning at the first possible instance of a likely onset of disease

By gently stretching muscles and joints as well as massaging the various

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WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

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Probably the most misunderstood or misinterpreted of all the yogas, tantra,

Niyama, the second limb, has to do with self-discipline and spiritual

concentration in the previous three stages of posture, breath control, and

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Give importance to your breathing. Each exercise has a specific way of

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BEGINNING YOUR WORKOUT

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The sequence will look something like this:

Tree Pose - Vriksha Asana

• Strengthens thighs, calves, ankles, and spine

The challenge of the vriksha-asana is maintaining balance on one leg.

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Extended Triangle Pose

Seated Forward Bend – Paschimottanasana

Bound Angle Pose - Baddha Konasana

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Wide-Angle Seated Forward Bend - Upavistha Konasana

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Full Boat Pose

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Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose - Viparita Karani

The pose described this is a passive, supported variation of the shoulder

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Corpse Pose - Savasana

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UNIVERSAL MANTRA MEDITATION

This meditation uses a mantra as your object of focus. A mantra is a word

• One of the keys to this meditation is repeating the mantra gently or

• The power of this technique comes from letting go and allowing

• Resist the temptation to make something happen, and allow the

This remarkably easy and relaxing meditation makes use of a little-known

ENERGY HEALING MEDITATION

1. Sit reasonably straight and close your eyes.